Borges AP Top 25: Welcome aboard, Cincinnati

Cincinnati coach Mick Cronin talks to guard Rashawn Fredericks during their game against Tulsa on Thursday.

Cincinnati coach Mick Cronin talks to guard Rashawn Fredericks during their game against Tulsa on Thursday.

Photo: Sam Greene / Associated Press

Photo: Sam Greene / Associated Press

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Cincinnati coach Mick Cronin talks to guard Rashawn Fredericks during their game against Tulsa on Thursday.

Cincinnati coach Mick Cronin talks to guard Rashawn Fredericks during their game against Tulsa on Thursday.

Photo: Sam Greene / Associated Press

Borges AP Top 25: Welcome aboard, Cincinnati

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We thought Cincinnati would be down this season, after losing three stalwarts to graduation and/or the NBA draft. When the Bearcats lost at ECU and struggled to beat UConn at home in overtime a couple of weeks ago, it didn’t change our mind much.

But the Bearcats have won six straight, are 18-3 overall and right where they nearly always are — at the top of the AAC standings at 7-1. They’re also on our Top 25 ballot for the first time this season.

And, we bump Houston up from No. 20 to 13. Hey, we always try to give the AAC a little love whenever possible.

1. Tennessee: An overtime win at Vanderbilt didn’t exactly inspire our confidence, but we’ve still got Rocky Top at the top.

2. Michigan: Allowing 56.5 points per game, third-best in America.

3. Virginia: It’s all about erasing the memory of UMBC for Cavs. It says here this group will do it.

4. Gonzaga: Tough one at BYU on Thursday night for Zags.

5. Michigan State: Spartans beat Maryland, Iowa on the road before falling at Purdue Sunday for first Big Ten loss.